Lying behind an unassuming street in the Pacific Palisades is a magical hillside garden. The site presented challenges with ivy-choked, overgrown trees that created a gloomy atmosphere and prevented access to parts of the landscape. The clients wanted to take advantage of the spectacular sloping site and highlight their extensive art collection. Art pieces are a part of the landscape with colorful custom pots and small outdoor sculptural pieces around every corner.

The landscape design took its inspiration from the native woodland environment, growing progressively wilder down the hillside. The backyard begins with an upper deck extending beyond the living room that houses a custom fire pit. A lower deck follows, providing casual seating areas. The hot tub, bordered on one side by the wooden deck is lined with blue and white tiles and feels like a shiny jewel rising out of the landscape and pulling one into the garden. The carex ornamental grasses tumble down the hill with giant purple elephant ears punctuation the moulding forms. Here the steps are made from concrete headers and gray gravel to convey a less formal feel. Down below and beyond lies the original canyon where a seasonal stream runs as weather permits.